Today was awesome as 254 people nailed their sins to the cross, deciding to follow Christ. Heaven exploded with a party! The Bible tells us that Jesus "came to seek and save the lost." Luke 19:10. That was Jesus' primary mission and indeed, it is ours too. Another distinctive characteristic of Christ was serving. In fact the book of Mark is all about Jesus' serving...from start to finish.
"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:43-45
Jesus also tells us, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15. Jesus was the ultimate servant and one of the clearest examples is when he washed his disciples' feet. A big takeaway for me when I read about Jesus serving his disciples in John 13:3-5 is that He was showing me that it doesn't take any special abilities to serve someone. Making eye contact and offering a welcoming smile doesn't require special abilities, yet sends the message, "You matter!" Cleaning the bathrooms does not require special abilities, yet sends the message, "You matter!" Welcoming cars onto the property and directing cars to park, does not require special abilities, yet sends the message, "You matter"! Setting up chairs does not require special abilities, yet sends the message, "You matter!" Welcoming serving team members at the "Serving Team HQ tent" does not require special abilities, yet sends the message, "You matter"! You get what I'm saying.
Today, 254 people gave their lives to Christ and began a journey following Him. Fortunately, they, along with the other 1500+ people attending, were served by 250 serving team members; who through their serving, grew closer to Christ today. One of our members, who from his hospital bed, while on a respirator for two days, prayed for our "Ones" and was serving, in spite of his circumstances. check out what he told me during our visit today, "Thank you for including me in this [serving through prayer]. I know that's why I'm feeling better and stronger."
Here's the deal, If you served today, your life was change too as you grew closer to God through serving others. You can tell the 254 new Christians better than I can, so I'm asking you to share about your serving experience today by leaving a blog comment about how serving today impacted you.
If you are one of the 254 "New Creations" and want to know how to start serving, contact our awesome Connections Director, Rachel Kitto, and she get you connected this week - rachel.kitto@newhorizonchurch.tv.
I was privileged and honored to direct services yesterday as NHC brought it home for 250+ folks who made their way to the foot of the cross and took a stand. It was awesome to see God's hand at work and I am humbled to have been able to work with the most amazing Tech Team and Band around to contribute in some small way to the day's events.
If you were one of those 254 people who nailed your card to the cross, congratulations on taking a great step forward in knowing and growing in Christ. Don't let it end there though! In NHC, you haven't just found a church. You've found a community, a haven...a home. Strike while the iron is hot and get involved in a serving team. You'll grow by leaps and bounds when you open your servant's heart and use the gifts and talents He has blessed you with to move someone else further along in their journey to know Christ.
(Shameless Plug Warning)
If you have any interest in video cameras, multimedia, sound and audio, lighting, stage managing or directing, then be sure and introduce yourself to a member of our Programming Ministry Tech Team. We'll help get you plugged in and start you on some of the most rewarding volunteer work you'll ever do.
Posted by: Tom Hillery | October 11, 2010 at 05:03 PM